GA National Fair is underway

The Georgia National fair is underway in Perry. Nearly a half million people are expected to attend. It's One of the biggest events in the state.

Ed and Melinda McMullin spent Thursday morning strolling through the fair grounds, even before the 23rd Annual Georgia National Fair officially started.

"I have always wanted to come down here to the fair, and time was available so we took off this morning, we got here a little early," says Melinda McMullin.

They drove two hours to be here, after years of hearing all the wonderful things the fair as to offer.

"Oh it's big, its huge, I would think it would take a day to visit this place," says McMullin.

Over the years organizers have added attractions and facilities to handle the hundreds of thousands who rumble through the fair each year.

"A chance to come out with your family, your friends to have a corn dog, funnel cake, free entertainment, circus, there is over 65 rides on the midway, lots of kiddie rides, and lots of super spectacular rides," says Michele Treptow, Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter.

And people come from all of the state to spend their money on those fun rides and attractions, providing a huge boost to the economy, not only in Houston County, but for the entire state.

"There are people coming from all over the state from throughout the southeast and even a little bit beyond so it is a great economic generator," says Treptow.

And it is that success that brings people back year after year. This is Brian Gillette's 20th year as a food vendor for the fair.

"It is definitely one of our better events as far as clientele and daily averages and that stuff," says Brian Gillette, Gillette's Pizza Proprietor.

Before the McMullin's get back on the road to head home, they have to make one more stop.

"Funnel cake," says McMullin.

Because, after all, what would a fair be without some delicious fried food.

This Saturday, Kellie Pickler and Joe Nichols will perform. Hot Chelle Rae with Allstar Weekend will perform on October 13th.